One Nation, One Labour Law is India’s long-awaited initiative to consolidate a maze of 29 different labour laws into four streamlined labour codes. The reform intends to simplify compliance, strengthen rights, and create a uniform national framework for employers and workers. The four codes are: 1.Code on Wages, 2019 2.Industrial Relations Code, 2020 3.Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 4.Social Security Code, 2020 Why the Reform Matters For decades, India’s labour ecosystem has been criticised for being complicated, outdated, and difficult to enforce. The new codes aim to modernise the system by: 1.Reducing compliance burden 2.Encouraging formal employment 3.Covering new-age workers such as gig and platform workers 4.Improving transparency through digital processes However, critics argue that implementation details and state-level discretion could dilute the reforms. Pros 1. Simplifies 29 Labour Laws into 4 Codes A uniform structure reduces ambiguity, paperwork, and overlapping rules — especially helpful for businesses operating across multiple states. 2. Boosts National Formalisation & Compliance The reform aims to create a single, predictable framework for employers, which can improve investment confidence and ease of doing business. 3. Social Security for Gig & Platform Workers For the first time in India’s labour history, workers from app-based platforms (delivery, ride-hailing, freelancing etc.) are included under a social security umbrella. 4. Clearer Definitions & Digital Mechanisms Standardised definitions of “wage,” “employee,” and “employer,” along with online registers and inspections, are intended to reduce disputes and increase transparency. Cons 1. Higher Thresholds for Layoffs & Closures The Industrial Relations Code raises thresholds for prior government approval. Critics fear this could weaken job security for workers in medium and large establishments. 2. Stricter Conditions for Strikes Longer notice periods and restrictions on strikes may limit unions’ bargaining power, triggering concerns about imbalance between employer and worker interests. 3. “Wage” Definition Could Reduce Take-Home Salary Since allowances are capped at 50% of total compensation, many employees may see higher PF contributions, lowering take-home pay. 4. Informal Sector Outcomes Depend on States While central codes provide the framework, state rules decide real implementation. This could lead to inconsistent outcomes and uncertainty for informal workers and small businesses. Conclusion One Nation, One Labour Law is a major structural reform with ambitious goals. If implemented effectively, it could streamline India’s labour ecosystem, expand social security, and boost formalisation. But concerns around job security, union rights, and variability in state-level execution make it a high-stakes transition. Whether it becomes a game-changer or remains a gamble will depend on how the codes are rolled out on the ground.